ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the correlation between vibration perception thresholds test (VPT) and simple screening tests for peripheral neuropathy in the diabetes clinic in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods VPT and three simple screening tests including 10 g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination (SWME), vibration test by 128 Hz tuning fork, and temperature sensation test by Tip-Therm were completed in 487 Chinese patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes aged over 30. The relationships between these simple screening tests and VPT were evaluated by Spearman correlation and observed agreement rate. Results Abnormal VPT was significantly associated with aging and fasting plasma glucose by binary logistic regression analysis. VPT was significantly correlated with SWME, temperature sensation test, vibration test by 128 Hz tuning fork, and the correlation coefficient was 0.176, 0.152 and 0.240, respectively (P<0.01);Observed agreement between VPT and three simple screening tests including SWME, temperature sensation test, vibration test by 128 Hz tuning fork was 49.5%, 59.8% and 51.1%, respectively. The percentage of abnormal results by SWME or vibration test by 128 Hz tuning fork with normal result by VPT was very low, only 2.7% and 1.2% respectively. Conclusions VPT should also be considered as a first-choice screening test for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.